Moderate sedation, commonly known as conscious sedation, is a drug-induced depression of consciousness. When moderate sedation is administered, patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. Interventions are not required to maintain a patent airway; spontaneous ventilation continues to be adequate; and cardiovascular function is maintained.

Reducing variability in your Moderate Sedation Program is key to patient safety! Let’s look at the requirements in the TJC standards and some strategies for compliance.

Your triennial accreditation survey just ended, and your TJC surveyor has informed you deficiencies were scored under the CMS Conditions of Participation, which will lead to a Condition-level Finding for your organization, meaning that you are a candidate for a Medicare deficiency follow-up survey.

That’s right, they’re coming back unannounced within 45 days to ensure your organization has met the identified Conditions of Participation. Follow these eight steps to get across the compliance finish line quickly for a successful Medicare Deficiency Follow-Up Survey.

The Joint Commission (TJC) has approved a new requirement intended to reduce newborn identification errors. Starting January 1, 2019, hospitals and critical access hospitals that provide labor and delivery services will be subject to this new element of performance at National Patient Safety Goal NPSG.01.01.01, EP 3.